'Cat Cagers Clawed by Sabers in Lackawanna League Crossover

Tuesday

Jan 25, 2011 at 12:01 AMJan 25, 2011 at 12:02 AM

Western Wayne's boys basketball team suffered a lopsided loss to Susquehanna in Lackawanna League crossover action. Kevin Botjer scored a game-high 20 points, but the Wildcats came out on the short end of a 62-43 final.

Kevin Edwards

Despite yet another electrifying effort from Kevin Botjer, Western Wayne absorbed a lopsided loss to Susquehanna Monday night at the venerable Varden Garden.

The high-flying senior guard dazzled a small, but vocal crowd by pouring in a game-high 20 points. Alas, for the hometown fans it simply wasn’t enough.

The Sabers broke open what had been a close contest, outscoring the ‘Cats by a margin of 36-22 in the middle two periods.

From there, Coach Scott Glidden’s team cruised to a 62-43 victory. With this crossover win, Susquehanna improved its regular season record to 3-5.

The loss dropped Western Wayne to 0-8 overall in the Lackawanna League.

Weather permitting, the ‘Cats will return to the hardwood Thursday night at Riverside. Opening tip is slated for 7:15 p.m.

Lightin’ It Up
Botjer started slowly in this one, thanks in large part to a swarming Susquehanna defense.

The Sabers held Kevin to just three baskets in the first half and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Thanks to this multi-faceted assault, the visitors were able to build a solid lead.

Susquehanna was up by five after one period and went to the lockerroom at intermission with a comfortable 12-point bulge.

Tomczyk and Cowperthwait each buried a trey early in the third quarter and the rout was on.

Western Wayne Coach Kenny Hemmler two timeouts in an effort at stopping the bleeding, but it was futile. By the time the period ended, Susquehanna’s lead was up to 19 at 49-30.

Over & Out
Botjer refused to quit, even when the lead became insurmountable.

Kevin slashed his way to nine points in the third, but took a seat for good in the fourth quarter. He finished his evening with 20 points on the strength of five field goals, one trey and a 7-for-10 stint at the charity stripe.

Tevin Smith also showed flashes of brilliance. The lightning quick guard nailed a pair of deep treys after intermission and ended up with eight points.

Junior Adam Gillis came off the bench to score five points. Kevin Karabin, Eric Olsommer, Matt Lukeski, Kade Kohlheffer and Tyler Capitani rounded out the ‘Cat scoring with two each.